MLB trade rumors: Brewers fighting Yankees for available starting pitching?

The Milwaukee Brewers could represents the biggest threat to the Yankees on the pitching market before the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31, 2018 (7/31/18).

When the 2018 MLB trade deadline arrives, the Yankees will likely be very aggressive in pursuit of a big-time arm.

Whether that’s San Francisco’s Madison Bumgarner, Texas’ Cole Hamels, Tampa Bay’s Chris Archer or Detroit’s Michael Fulmer, the Yankees have the prospect stable and depth to jump near the front of the line in any discussion.

But they won’t be the only team there.

In a piece on players that could move at the deadline, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand opines on where each available player could land. Along with the Yankees’ connection to top arms, one other team stood out: Milwaukee.

Yes, the first place Brewers.

Feinsand had the Brewers (along with the Yankees) as part of the list of teams connected with Hamels, Archer and Fulmer. If Milwaukee (30-19 entering play on May 23) continues to play this kind of baseball, one more starter could be looked at as a missing piece for a deep run into and through October.

Hamels to Yankees?

So while it’s still very likely that the Yankees land one of these difference-making starters, the Brewers (with a good farm system and aggressive general manager) now represent a challenge for New York. If a great offer isn’t thrown out by Yankees GM Brian Cashman, perhaps the top choice of the truly available names heads to Wisconsin, not the Big Apple.

Milwaukee’s rotation heads into play on May 23 owning a 3.98 ERA. The Yankees sit at 3.95.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.